This series of 12-week instructor guided courses is designed to equip end of life and death care professionals with the knowledge to understand and honor the diverse faith, religious, and cultural traditions surrounding death and grieving within the most dominant faith, religious and cultural groups around the world. Covering a wide array of religious beliefs, spiritual practices, and cultural customs. This series enables professionals to provide sensitive and respectful services to individuals and families from various backgrounds. The series focuses on the importance of cultural competence in death care, offering insights into the origins of rituals, customs, and beliefs that shape end-of-life funeral and memorial practices worldwide. By completing this series professionals will be better prepared to offer compassionate, culturally informed support that respects the unique needs of every family and community.
We will meet in the virtual classroom for 12 weeks on Sundays from 10:00 - 11:30 am EST January 4th- March 29th, 2025. Recording replays will be provided for those that can not attend weekly meetings.
Introduction to Faith & Religious Studies for Deathcare- 90 Minutes Virtual Classroom
Approved for 1.5 CE Credit Hours through APFSP
Open to non-licensed and licensed deathcare, medical and mental health professionals, students, doulas, healthcare workers, and forensic teams.
This course provides an overview of the importance of faith and religious practices in death care. Participants will explore how different spiritual beliefs impact the end-of-life process, funeral rituals, and cultural practices. This course equips deathcare professionals with the knowledge to serve diverse populations with sensitivity and respect.
Course Objectives:
Faith, Religious, and Cultural Studies for Death Care: Exploring Taoism- 90 Minutes Virtual Classroom
Approved for 1.5 CE Credit Hours through APFSP
Open to non-licensed and licensed deathcare, medical and mental health professionals, students, doulas, healthcare workers, and forensic teams.
This course provides an in-depth exploration of Taoism and its views on death, the afterlife, and funerary practices. Participants will gain an understanding of Taoist funeral rites, ancestor worship, and the spiritual beliefs that guide the Taoist approach to death.
Course Objectives:
Faith, Religious, and Cultural Studies for Death Care: Exploring Shintoism- 90 Minutes Virtual Classroom
Self Paced Approved for 1.5 CE Credit Hours through APFSP
Open to non-licensed and licensed deathcare, medical and mental health professionals, students, doulas, healthcare workers, and forensic teams.
This course explores Shintoism, Japan’s indigenous religion, with a focus on its death-related rituals and beliefs. Participants will learn about Shinto burial practices, purification rites, and the role of the community in mourning.
Course Objectives:
Faith, Religious, and Cultural Studies for Death Care: Exploring The Baha'i Faith- 90 Minutes Virtual Classroom
Approved for 1.5 CE Credit Hours through APFSP
Open to non-licensed and licensed deathcare, medical and mental health professionals, students, doulas, healthcare workers, and forensic teams.
This course introduces deathcare professionals to the funeral customs and beliefs of the Baha'i Faith. Participants will learn about the Baha'i approach to life and death, and how their religious practices influence burial and mourning rituals.
Course Objectives:
Faith, Religious, and Cultural Studies for Death Care: Exploring Gullah Geechee Culture- 90 Minutes Virtual Classroom
Approved for 1.5 CE Credit Hours through APFSP
Open to non-licensed and licensed deathcare, medical and mental health professionals, students, doulas, healthcare workers, and forensic teams.
This course delves into the cultural death practices of the Gullah Geechee people, an African-descended community from the southeastern United States. Participants will learn about unique rituals surrounding end of life, death, funeral services, and the mourning process within Gullah Geechee culture.
Course Objectives:
Faith, Religious, and Cultural Studies for Death Care: Exploring Hoodoo- 90 Minutes Virtual Classroom
Approved for 1.5 CE Credit Hours through APFSP
Open to non-licensed and licensed deathcare, medical and mental health professionals, students, doulas, healthcare workers, and forensic teams.
This course focuses on the African American folk religion of Hoodoo, with an emphasis on its death rituals, spiritual practices, and cultural significance. Participants will learn how Hoodoo influences burial customs, spiritual protection, and memorial practices.
Course Objectives:
Faith, Religious, and Cultural Studies for Death Care: Exploring Buddhism- 90 Minutes Virtual Classroom
Approved for 1.5 CE Credit Hours through APFSP
Open to non-licensed and licensed deathcare, medical and mental health professionals, students, doulas, healthcare workers, and forensic teams.
In this course, end of life and death care professionals will learn about Buddhist views on death and the afterlife, including Buddhist funeral rites, meditation practices, and the concept of rebirth. Participants will gain the skills to serve Buddhist families with respect and understanding during the mourning process.
Course Objectives:
Faith, Religious, and Cultural Studies for Death Care: Exploring Hinduism- 90 Minutes Virtual Classroom
Approved for 1.5 CE Credit Hours through APFSP
Open to non-licensed and licensed deathcare, medical and mental health professionals, students, doulas, healthcare workers, and forensic teams.
This course explores Hindu beliefs about death, the afterlife, and funeral practices. Participants will learn about the significance of cremation, the role of prayer, and the rituals involved in the Hindu mourning process.
Course Objectives:
Faith, Religious, and Cultural Studies for Death Care: Exploring Islam- 90 Minutes Virtual Classroom
Approved for 1.5 CE Credit Hours through APFSP
Open to non-licensed and licensed deathcare, medical and mental health professionals, students, doulas, healthcare workers, and forensic teams.
This course introduces Islamic funeral practices and the cultural aspects of death within the Muslim faith. Participants will learn about the role of prayer, burial rites, and the significance of the afterlife in Islam.
Course Objectives:
Faith, Religious, and Cultural Studies for Death Care: Exploring Sikhism- 90 Minutes Virtual Classroom
Approved for 1.5 CE Credit Hours through APFSP
Open to non-licensed and licensed deathcare, medical and mental health professionals, students, doulas, healthcare workers, and forensic teams.
This course provides an overview of Sikh funeral and death practices, with a focus on the spiritual beliefs and rituals associated with death in Sikhism. Participants will learn about the significance of community involvement, prayer, and the preparation of the body for burial.
Course Objectives:
Faith, Religious, and Cultural Studies for Death Care: Exploring Zoroastrianism- 90 Minutes Virtual Classroom
Approved for 1.5 CE Credit Hours through APFSP
Open to non-licensed and licensed deathcare, medical and mental health professionals, students, doulas, healthcare workers, and forensic teams.
This course examines Zoroastrianism’s views on death and the afterlife, focusing on the unique customs and beliefs that guide the Zoroastrian funeral process. Participants will learn about the sacred rituals surrounding death and burial.
Course Objectives:
Faith, Religious, and Cultural Studies for Death Care: Exploring Wicca- 90 Minutes Virtual Classroom
Approved for 1.5 CE Credit Hours through APFSP (pending)
Open to non-licensed and licensed deathcare, medical and mental health professionals, students, doulas, healthcare workers, and forensic teams.
This course covers Wiccan death beliefs and rituals, focusing on the spiritual aspects of death and the afterlife. Participants will learn about Wiccan funeral customs, the role of ritual, and the connection between nature and death.
Course Objectives:
We will meet in the virtual classroom for 12 weeks on Sundays from 10:00 - 11:30 am EST January 4th- March 29th, 2025. Recording replays will be provided for those that can not attend weekly meetings.
- North America: Morning (10:00 AM - 11:30 PM EST).
- Europe & Africa: Afternoon (3:00 PM - 4:30 PM UTC, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM CET).
- Asia: Evening (9:00 PM - 10:30 PM).
- Australia: Late night/early morning (1:00 AM - 2:30 AM the next day).
Introduction to Faith & Religious Studies for Deathcare- 90 Minutes Virtual Classroom
Approved for 1.5 CE Credit Hours through APFSP
Open to non-licensed and licensed deathcare, medical and mental health professionals, students, doulas, healthcare workers, and forensic teams.
This course provides an overview of the importance of faith and religious practices in death care. Participants will explore how different spiritual beliefs impact the end-of-life process, funeral rituals, and cultural practices. This course equips deathcare professionals with the knowledge to serve diverse populations with sensitivity and respect.
Course Objectives:
- Understand the significance of faith in the death and mourning process.
- Gain knowledge of common religious end of life and funeral practices and rituals.
- Learn how cultural beliefs shape end-of-life services.
- Enhance cultural competency for working with diverse religious communities.
Faith, Religious, and Cultural Studies for Death Care: Exploring Taoism- 90 Minutes Virtual Classroom
Approved for 1.5 CE Credit Hours through APFSP
Open to non-licensed and licensed deathcare, medical and mental health professionals, students, doulas, healthcare workers, and forensic teams.
This course provides an in-depth exploration of Taoism and its views on death, the afterlife, and funerary practices. Participants will gain an understanding of Taoist funeral rites, ancestor worship, and the spiritual beliefs that guide the Taoist approach to death.
Course Objectives:
- Learn the Taoist understanding of death and the afterlife.
- Explore Taoist end of life and funeral customs and rituals.
- Understand the significance of ancestor worship in Taoist traditions.
- Apply cultural competency in providing end of life, post-mortem and deathcare for Taoist families.
Faith, Religious, and Cultural Studies for Death Care: Exploring Shintoism- 90 Minutes Virtual Classroom
Self Paced Approved for 1.5 CE Credit Hours through APFSP
Open to non-licensed and licensed deathcare, medical and mental health professionals, students, doulas, healthcare workers, and forensic teams.
This course explores Shintoism, Japan’s indigenous religion, with a focus on its death-related rituals and beliefs. Participants will learn about Shinto burial practices, purification rites, and the role of the community in mourning.
Course Objectives:
- Gain an understanding of Shinto beliefs about life, death, and the afterlife.
- Learn about Shinto funeral practices, including purification rituals and burial customs.
- Explore the role of community in Shinto end of life and death rituals.
- Develop cultural competency for serving Shinto families during end of life, post-mortem and deathcare.
Faith, Religious, and Cultural Studies for Death Care: Exploring The Baha'i Faith- 90 Minutes Virtual Classroom
Approved for 1.5 CE Credit Hours through APFSP
Open to non-licensed and licensed deathcare, medical and mental health professionals, students, doulas, healthcare workers, and forensic teams.
This course introduces deathcare professionals to the funeral customs and beliefs of the Baha'i Faith. Participants will learn about the Baha'i approach to life and death, and how their religious practices influence burial and mourning rituals.
Course Objectives:
- Learn the Baha'i views on life, death, and the afterlife.
- Understand the Baha'i end of life, funeral and burial practices.
- Gain insight into the role of prayer and community in the Baha'i mourning process.
- Apply cultural sensitivity when working with Baha'i families in end of life, post-mortem and deathcare.
Faith, Religious, and Cultural Studies for Death Care: Exploring Gullah Geechee Culture- 90 Minutes Virtual Classroom
Approved for 1.5 CE Credit Hours through APFSP
Open to non-licensed and licensed deathcare, medical and mental health professionals, students, doulas, healthcare workers, and forensic teams.
This course delves into the cultural death practices of the Gullah Geechee people, an African-descended community from the southeastern United States. Participants will learn about unique rituals surrounding end of life, death, funeral services, and the mourning process within Gullah Geechee culture.
Course Objectives:
- Understand the history and spiritual beliefs of the Gullah Geechee people.
- Learn specific end of life and death-related customs and rituals within Gullah Geechee culture.
- Explore how community plays a central role in mourning and burial.
- Gain cultural competency for providing deathcare to Gullah Geechee families.
Faith, Religious, and Cultural Studies for Death Care: Exploring Hoodoo- 90 Minutes Virtual Classroom
Approved for 1.5 CE Credit Hours through APFSP
Open to non-licensed and licensed deathcare, medical and mental health professionals, students, doulas, healthcare workers, and forensic teams.
This course focuses on the African American folk religion of Hoodoo, with an emphasis on its death rituals, spiritual practices, and cultural significance. Participants will learn how Hoodoo influences burial customs, spiritual protection, and memorial practices.
Course Objectives:
- Learn the fundamentals of Hoodoo beliefs and practices related to death.
- Understand how Hoodoo rituals and customs are incorporated into funerary services.
- Gain insight into the role of spiritual healing and protection in Hoodoo end of life and death practices.
- Apply culturally competent approaches when working with families practicing Hoodoo.
Faith, Religious, and Cultural Studies for Death Care: Exploring Buddhism- 90 Minutes Virtual Classroom
Approved for 1.5 CE Credit Hours through APFSP
Open to non-licensed and licensed deathcare, medical and mental health professionals, students, doulas, healthcare workers, and forensic teams.
In this course, end of life and death care professionals will learn about Buddhist views on death and the afterlife, including Buddhist funeral rites, meditation practices, and the concept of rebirth. Participants will gain the skills to serve Buddhist families with respect and understanding during the mourning process.
Course Objectives:
- Learn about Buddhist beliefs on life, death, and rebirth.
- Explore Buddhist funeral rituals and the role of monks in deathcare.
- Understand the importance of meditation and prayer in Buddhist end of life and death rituals.
- Develop cultural competency in providing deathcare to Buddhist families.
Faith, Religious, and Cultural Studies for Death Care: Exploring Hinduism- 90 Minutes Virtual Classroom
Approved for 1.5 CE Credit Hours through APFSP
Open to non-licensed and licensed deathcare, medical and mental health professionals, students, doulas, healthcare workers, and forensic teams.
This course explores Hindu beliefs about death, the afterlife, and funeral practices. Participants will learn about the significance of cremation, the role of prayer, and the rituals involved in the Hindu mourning process.
Course Objectives:
- Gain an understanding of Hindu views on life, death, and the afterlife.
- Learn about Hindu funeral practices, including cremation and sacred rites.
- Understand the importance of family involvement and prayer in the Hindu mourning process.
- Develop cultural competency when working with Hindu families in deathcare.
Faith, Religious, and Cultural Studies for Death Care: Exploring Islam- 90 Minutes Virtual Classroom
Approved for 1.5 CE Credit Hours through APFSP
Open to non-licensed and licensed deathcare, medical and mental health professionals, students, doulas, healthcare workers, and forensic teams.
This course introduces Islamic funeral practices and the cultural aspects of death within the Muslim faith. Participants will learn about the role of prayer, burial rites, and the significance of the afterlife in Islam.
Course Objectives:
- Learn the Islamic views on death, the afterlife, and burial customs.
- Understand Islamic funeral rites, including washing, shrouding, and prayer.
- Gain insight into the mourning process and how to support Muslim families in grief.
- Develop cultural competency in providing deathcare services to Muslim families.
Faith, Religious, and Cultural Studies for Death Care: Exploring Sikhism- 90 Minutes Virtual Classroom
Approved for 1.5 CE Credit Hours through APFSP
Open to non-licensed and licensed deathcare, medical and mental health professionals, students, doulas, healthcare workers, and forensic teams.
This course provides an overview of Sikh funeral and death practices, with a focus on the spiritual beliefs and rituals associated with death in Sikhism. Participants will learn about the significance of community involvement, prayer, and the preparation of the body for burial.
Course Objectives:
- Learn about Sikh beliefs regarding life, death, and the afterlife.
- Understand Sikh funeral practices, including cremation and the role of prayer.
- Gain insight into the mourning rituals and community involvement in Sikh deathcare.
- Apply cultural sensitivity when serving Sikh families during deathcare.
Faith, Religious, and Cultural Studies for Death Care: Exploring Zoroastrianism- 90 Minutes Virtual Classroom
Approved for 1.5 CE Credit Hours through APFSP
Open to non-licensed and licensed deathcare, medical and mental health professionals, students, doulas, healthcare workers, and forensic teams.
This course examines Zoroastrianism’s views on death and the afterlife, focusing on the unique customs and beliefs that guide the Zoroastrian funeral process. Participants will learn about the sacred rituals surrounding death and burial.
Course Objectives:
- Understand Zoroastrian beliefs about life, death, and the afterlife.
- Learn about Zoroastrian funeral customs, including exposure rituals and purification.
- Gain insight into the spiritual importance of preserving the body and protecting the soul.
- Apply cultural competency in providing deathcare for Zoroastrian families.
Faith, Religious, and Cultural Studies for Death Care: Exploring Wicca- 90 Minutes Virtual Classroom
Approved for 1.5 CE Credit Hours through APFSP (pending)
Open to non-licensed and licensed deathcare, medical and mental health professionals, students, doulas, healthcare workers, and forensic teams.
This course covers Wiccan death beliefs and rituals, focusing on the spiritual aspects of death and the afterlife. Participants will learn about Wiccan funeral customs, the role of ritual, and the connection between nature and death.
Course Objectives:
- Understand Wiccan beliefs regarding death, the afterlife, and spiritual practices.
- Learn about Wiccan funeral rituals, including the role of the elements and community.
- Gain insights into the spiritual practices of mourning and remembrance in Wicca.
- Apply cultural sensitivity and respect for Wiccan families during deathcare.